'Stupid calves'
Grove-White, D.H.
Veterinary Record 137(2): 52
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 8525590 Document Number: 454456
The authors describe the symptoms and epidemiology of 'dummy calves' in southern Louisiana and suggest that some aspects particularly the lack of instinct and/or ability to suck are in common with those seen in 'stupid calves' in the UK. Dummy calves are not infrequently a herd problem with 5-17% of calves affected, the condition is often associated with 'goat' or 'bottle' teats in the dam and with calves with long legs; they often occur following calving on cold nights. A high incidence was seen after purebred Chianina embryos were implanted into Maine-Anjon X Angus or Hereford uteri. The authors suggest that in Brahman calves, if the sucking reflex is not used it could be lost and then would have to be learnt whereas Holstein and Herefords even if tube-fed from birth would readily suck when presented with a teat for the first time at 10 days old.